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Bullrich defies Milei on judicial nominee, allies say she's protecting her base
🇦🇷 Argentina /Elections & Politics

Bullrich defies Milei on judicial nominee, allies say she's protecting her base

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Patricia Bullrich, a key figure in Argentina's ruling party, defied President Javier Milei by voting against his wishes on a judicial nominee.
  • Allies say Bullrich acted to protect her political base and electoral value within the libertarian movement.
  • The move highlights internal tensions within the ruling coalition, particularly between Bullrich and the president's sister, Karina Milei.

Patricia Bullrich, a prominent senator and leader within Argentina's ruling Libertarian party, has asserted her political independence, defying President Javier Milei's directive regarding a judicial nominee. Bullrich abstained from a vote to withdraw the nomination of Judge María Verónica Michelli, a decision that reportedly displeased the president and his influential sister, Karina Milei.

She has to protect and strengthen that 25 percent of the vote that polls attribute to her. If she becomes the same as Milei, they will run her over.

— Bullrich loyalistExplaining Bullrich's motivation for defying the president's order.

Sources close to Bullrich insist her actions were not intended to create internal divisions or launch a presidential bid, but rather to safeguard her electoral base. They argue that maintaining a distinct political profile is crucial for her relevance within the party. "She has to protect and strengthen that 25 percent of the vote that polls attribute to her. If she becomes the same as Milei, they will run her over," explained one loyalist.

It was a serious, friendly, and sensible conversation.

— Source close to BullrichDescribing Bullrich's prior discussion with President Milei about her stance on the judicial nominee.

The senator had reportedly informed President Milei of her stance in a prior conversation, which was described as serious and amicable. However, the reaction from Karina Milei, the powerful Secretary General of the Presidency, remains uncertain, as she is known to be intolerant of perceived insubordination.

Milei took it well.

— Source close to BullrichCommenting on President Milei's reaction to Bullrich's position.

Some within Bullrich's circle believe Karina Milei currently lacks the power to sideline the senator, though this could change. They recall past attempts by the presidential inner circle to undermine Bullrich's influence after the party's electoral victory. The current situation underscores the ongoing power dynamics and potential fault lines within the Milei administration, particularly between the president's core allies and established political figures like Bullrich.

Karina knows that today she does not have the weapons to run over Patricia. When she can, maybe she will.

— Bullrich allyAssessing the current power balance between Karina Milei and Patricia Bullrich.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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